EU and UK launch ‘new partnership’ with deals at London summit
With deals on defence, fisheries, energy and trade, the European Union and the UK have closed the Brexit chapter and launched “a new era” in their relations following a summit in London on Monday.
“This is a historic agreement,” said British prime minister Keir Starmer at the end of the first bilateral summit since Britain left the EU in 2020. Starmer, who had promised to “reset” relations with European partners when he took office last year, praised “a new era in our relations” and “a new partnership” that will be mutually beneficial.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen added that both sides were also sending a message to the world. “In an era of global instability, when our continent faces the greatest threat in generations, Europe is closing ranks.”
The past weeks and months have seen intense negotiations on agreements to shape that “reset”. These include an agreement on defence that will allow the British to participate in SAFE, a new European programme offering member states up to 150 billion euros in low-cost loans to co-invest in defence projects. A pending agreement could also pave the way for British defence companies to participate.
“We will retain access to UK waters for our fishers for the next 12 years"
In return, the British accept that European fishers’ access to their waters will be extended until 30 June 2038. The current arrangement was in danger of finishing next year. Long-term assured access was crucial for Flanders.
“We will retain access to UK waters for our fishers for the next 12 years,” said Flemish Fisheries minister Hilde Crevits. “This is much more sustainable than the starting proposal of the UK, which first wanted to negotiate this annually.”
Easier exports
Europe, meanwhile, offers mutual recognition of phytosanitary standards, meaning that trade in animals, plants and related products would be largely exempt from certificates and controls. UK fishers, farmers and food companies would thus find it easier to export to the European market.
The UK and the EU also want to explore linking their markets for trading CO2 emissions allowances. This would allow British companies to escape the carbon border tax the EU is about to introduce. The two sides will also discuss British participation in the single European electricity market.
“We are being subjected to Brussels‘ rules again"
The agreement makes Starmer vulnerable to criticism from Brexiteers. Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Nigel Farage's Reform UK party, has spoken of “a capitulation” and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has taken a hard line against the fisheries deal and Britain's concessions on legislation. “We are being subjected to Brussels‘ rules again,” she said.
Starmer insisted that the agreement would cut British bills and be favourably received by companies and supermarkets. The European market is by far the most important for Britain, but despite a free trade agreement, exports have shrunk by more than 20 per cent since Brexit.
Britain's prime minister Keir Starmer and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen © PHOTO CARL COURT / POOL / AFP
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